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The history of sportswear is intricately woven with the story of Nike, a brand that has become synonymous with athletic excellence, innovation, and cultural impact. But before the Air Jordans, the Flyknits, and the ubiquitous swoosh that adorns everything from basketball courts to billboards, there was a humble beginning, a spark ignited by a track coach and a visionary entrepreneur. That spark came in the form of a revolutionary running shoe, a design that dared to challenge the status quo and ultimately paved the way for the athletic behemoth we know today. That shoe, shrouded in legend and steeped in history, is the Moon Shoe, and its anticipated comeback is more than just a retro release; it's a celebration of the foundation upon which Nike was built.

The Return of a Legend: The Moon Shoe's Resurgence

Recent reports have sent ripples of excitement through the sneaker community, hinting at the imminent return of the Nike Moon Shoe. This announcement isn't merely about re-releasing a vintage sneaker; it's about paying homage to the genesis of a brand that redefined the athletic footwear landscape. The Moon Shoe, a 1972 running shoe, holds the distinction of being one of the very first designs to bear the Nike name, marking a pivotal moment in the company's history. Its resurgence offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with the origins of Nike and appreciate the ingenuity that characterized its early years.

But to truly understand the significance of the Moon Shoe, we need to delve into the story of Nike's inception, exploring the individuals, the ideas, and the circumstances that led to its creation. It’s a journey that takes us back to the track fields of Oregon, the entrepreneurial spirit of a young businessman, and the unwavering belief in the power of innovation.

Blue Ribbon Sports: The Pre-Nike Era

Before it was Nike, the company was known as Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS). This name, often overlooked in the narrative of Nike's rise, represents the initial phase of the partnership between Phil Knight, a former University of Oregon track athlete, and Bill Bowerman, his coach.

What was Nike originally called? The answer, as stated above, is Blue Ribbon Sports.

Where was Nike's original name? The original name was Blue Ribbon Sports.

Knight, after graduating from the University of Oregon and earning an MBA from Stanford University, embarked on a trip to Japan. Inspired by the success of Japanese cameras in the American market, he saw an opportunity to import high-quality, affordable running shoes from Japan to compete with the established European brands that dominated the American market at the time. He struck a deal with Onitsuka Tiger (now ASICS) to become their U.S. distributor.

This marked the beginning of Blue Ribbon Sports. Knight, with his business acumen, and Bowerman, with his deep understanding of athletic performance and footwear needs, formed a formidable team. They initially operated as distributors, selling Onitsuka Tiger shoes at track meets out of the trunk of Knight's car.

The Bowerman Innovation: The Genesis of the Waffle Sole

Bill Bowerman was more than just a track coach; he was an innovator, constantly seeking ways to improve his athletes' performance. He believed that the key to faster running times lay in lighter, more comfortable, and more efficient footwear. He experimented with different materials and designs, often modifying existing shoes to better suit the needs of his runners.first nike shoes ever

One of Bowerman's most significant innovations, and a cornerstone of Nike's early success, was the development of the waffle sole. Legend has it that Bowerman was inspired by his wife's waffle iron. He realized that the waffle pattern, with its combination of cushioning and traction, could be adapted to create a superior outsole for running shoes.

He poured liquid urethane rubber into his wife's waffle iron (much to her dismay, as it ruined the iron!), creating a prototype of the waffle sole. This innovative sole provided runners with significantly improved grip on various surfaces, while also being lighter than traditional soles. The waffle sole was a game-changer, giving Nike shoes a distinct performance advantage and helping to establish the brand as a serious contender in the running shoe market.

1972: The Dawn of Nike and the Birth of the Moon Shoe

What year was Nike founded? While Blue Ribbon Sports was established earlier, the year 1972 marks the official founding of Nike as its own entity.

The relationship between Blue Ribbon Sports and Onitsuka Tiger began to sour. Knight and Bowerman felt that Onitsuka Tiger wasn't fully committed to their ideas and wasn't providing the level of innovation and support they desired. This led to the decision to break away from Onitsuka Tiger and launch their own brand.

In 1971, Carolyn Davidson, a graphic design student at Portland State University, was commissioned to create a logo for the new brand. She presented several options, and Knight ultimately chose the now-iconic swoosh, paying her just $35 for her work. The swoosh, originally intended to represent the wing of the Greek goddess Nike (victory), has become one of the most recognizable and valuable logos in the world.